Usually, the first question someone has about any topic, item, or word is, What is it? So, it would be best to begin with “What is Shilajit?” Shilajit (Salajeet), or mineral pitch, is also called “mountain’s sweat” among locals of South Asian countries. It’s a tar-like substance, usually dark brown or black; this resin has its origins in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, although it can be found elsewhere in the world too.
From antiaging to anticarcinogenic properties, salajeet/shilajit's benefits and applications are varied. Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, this resin has been in use since ancient times. So join us as we look into the composition of this wonder resin and some of its many advantages. We’ll also look at its side effects.
Shilajit (salajeet), What is it made of?
Shilajit has humic acid, fulvic acid, and other organic substances. The composition of the mineral pitch also includes fatty acids, albumins, polyphenols, latex, gum, and amino acids. Depending on the variant and its origin, some forms have more than 80 minerals. These can include the likes of silver, copper, zinc, and iron.
Some of the Many Shilajit Benefits
Anti-Aging Properties – Stay Young in Body and Mind
A report on the NCBI website cited a study showing that fulvic acid, a major compound in Shilajit, is a powerful antioxidant. Fulvic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties. That means it can help prevent cellular damage by reducing the number of free radicals in the body. These are the two key factors in aging.
At the same time, some studies suggest that besides its protective effects on the body, it can also help with cognitive decline as we age. Fulvic acid is known to be a memory enhancer, so it might have the potential to decrease the risk of dementia. It might even slow down the progression of people prone to getting Alzheimer’s, although research is still being done.
So, regular use of shilajit may offset the effects of aging.
Anticarcinogenic (anti-cancer effects) – Supplementing Chemotherapy
Yes, you read that right. Shilajit can help fight against some types of cancer, mainly those of the liver and kidneys. Consequently, it can also improve the outcome of chemotherapy. Both effects were seen in a study cited in NCBI. Although they do say further testing is needed, it still had positive results for the aforementioned cancers when tested on mice.
Epilepsy? – Shilajit May Help with Seizures
We’ve already mentioned that Shilajit has properties that can help improve memory and curb age-related cognitive decline. However, some researchers are also speculating that shilajit may also assist with chronic epilepsy and other brain-related problems that cause seizures.
In Ayurvedic treatments, shilajit is already used to help manage the symptoms associated with epilepsy. Certain studies on mice showed that using this resin reduced the number of seizures in mice across two weeks.
Fatigue Buster – Shilajit May Provide Quicker Recovery Times From Strenuous Exercise
The muscles getting tired are natural when exercising or doing laborious work. Besides that, there is a disease known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), where the individual feels extreme tiredness or fatigue. This condition is chronic, meaning people suffer from it for long periods of time.
Because of CFS’s nature, it can make it challenging for its sufferers to do basic activities such as going to school or work. However, researchers believe that shilajit may help with CFS as well as reduce fatigue due to strenuous exercises and physical activity.
Shilajit can help reduce problems associated with the mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of cells and are responsible for energy production. So, using shilajit supplements may help improve energy levels.
Anemia Prevention – Shilajit is Rich in Iron and Other Minerals That May Help
Shilajit is rich in iron and other minerals, such as gold, silver, copper, etc. This unique composition of shilajit may help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Although the direct effect of shilajit on Anemic patients is not that well-researched, some animal studies have shown that it is safe and effective.
Let’s not forget the Heart
Another one of the many shilajit benefits is its positive effect on heart health. In one experiment, it was used on rats, where these rats were exposed to certain chemicals that led to heart damage. The results showed that mice that were given shilajit before the heart injury showed lower signs of damage as compared to those rodents that had not been given any.
Shilajit/salajeet is also known to reduce blood pressure in individuals who suffer from it. So, as a precaution, you should consult your primary care provider before taking any if you have hypertension.
A Fertility and Testosterone Booster for Males
For men with a low sperm count, shilajit use can help. The minerals within this wonder resin can help increase not only the number of sperm cells but also their motility or motion. Both factors are an essential part of fertility.
Shilajit has also shown positive results when it comes to testosterone levels. Continued use of shilajit supplements can lead to an increase in testosterone in men.
Suffering from altitude sickness? Get Shilajit
It is amazing that something like shilajit, which is found high up in the mountains, would also benefit those suffering from altitude sickness. People who live in such high elevations consume shilajit regularly to combat symptoms associated with altitude sickness, such as headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and nausea. Research has shown that this wonder resin may assist in preventing hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which leads to the symptoms associated with altitude sickness.
Worried about bone density loss? Shilajit May Help
Shilajit can help retain bone health and have an overall positive effect. A study where postmenopausal women with low mineral density (osteopenia) consumed shilajit supplements daily showed major improvement in bone density in less than a year. Researchers attributed this positive effect to the wonder resin’s ability to speed up cell turnover.
Potential Side Effects of Shilajit Use
Shilajit/salajeet is available in raw form, but it is not recommended as it can contain elements such as arsenic and heavy metals that may harm health. Hence, buy supplements from a trusted source that has refined the shilajit to remove such impurities. Also, Shilajit reduces blood pressure, so it is not recommended if you suffer from low blood pressure.
Since it has iron, it should be taken only after consulting with your physician if you have a condition or are taking drugs that affect the level of iron in your body. An example is that shilajit might not be safe for individuals suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis, where iron can get deposited in tissues and cause liver damage and other diseases.
If you have a hormone-related problem, you might need to avoid or have a reduced intake of shilajit, as it can affect the level of hormones in the body.
Also, we have said it before, but always consult your physician before starting any supplement.
In Conclusion
Shilajit (salajeet) is a wonder supplement whose roots go back to ancient times. And its use within South Asia is quite common. In comparison, the contemporary medical and supplements industry recently caught on to Shilajit’s benefits. As we conclude this, we hope that you were able to understand “What is shilajit?” And its many benefits and uses.
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